Experimentation on Analogue Models

Summary Analogue models are actual physical setups used to model something else. They are especially useful when what we wish to investigate is difficult to observe or experiment upon due to size or distance in space or time: for example, if the thing we wish to investigate is too large, too far away, takes place on a time scale that is too long, does not yet exist or has ceased to exist. The range and variety of analogue models is too extensive to attempt a survey. In this article, I describe and discuss several different analogue model experiments, the results of those model experiments, and the basis for constructing them and interpreting their results. Examples of analogue models for surface waves in lakes, for earthquakes and volcanoes in geophysics, and for black holes in general relativity, are described, with a focus on examining the bases for claims that these analogues are appropriate analogues of what they are used to investigate. A table showing three different kinds of bases for reasoning using analogue models is provided. Finally, it is shown how the examples in this article counter three common misconceptions about the use of analogue models in physics

New patent on nanomaterials for preserving stone and wood structures

Nowadays, we recognize the need for a renewed commitment to the questions posed by the contemporary city to imagine new constructability scenarios paying attention to energy efficiency and cost saving, in order to obtain the recovery of identity of a city, achieving efficiency and effectiveness of the results. This paper focuses on developing effective strategies, based on sustainability and policies applicable to the built environment. Scientific experiences of the Author, demonstrated by scientific and technological patents, regarding the implementation projects on Nanomaterials, nanostructured inorganic oxides, and more par-ticularly titanium sesquioxide and silicon, show that it is possible to obtain materials with high level of bio-compatibility that can be used for the consolidation of ancient wood and stones